Hooping it up in the Wiltshire sun respite for Ukraine kids

Steve Lloyd back left with children from Chernobyl Vika, Yana, Nastia and Liza and translator Viktoria Malkog. In the foreground are Artem and Bogola. The group was enjoying an evening at The Farmhouse at Southwick for English food and British games.

Children who live in the area of Ukraine affected by the Chernobyl disaster have enjoyed a month of activities around the county to improve their health.

The group of eight 11-12 year olds have taken part in ten pin bowling, horse riding, canoeing, canal boating and kite flying, and have been staying with hosts in towns across west Wiltshire.

Each summer Chernobyl Children’s Life Line charity brings a group of children to Britain.

Steve Lloyd, chair manof West Wilts Chernobyl Children’s Life Line, said: “It is stuff they probably don’t get to, or rarely, do at home.

“They really enjoyed themselves. They were a really nice group of children who gelled quickly.

“It is primarily for them to get respite care. They all go back with less horrible things in their body then they came with. Our sun is good at dissipating it. Their lifespan will be increased by three years.”